Cubic boron arsenide, which handles heat ten times better than silicon, could become the new king of semiconductors, especially in electric vehicles. Despite silicon’s ubiquity as a semiconductor material, it has two weaknesses: its lack of accommodation for electrical particles called “holes” and its poor heat capacity. It’s already being replaced in EV semiconductors by the more heat-conducive silicon carbide, despite being less accommodating to holes. Cubic boron arsenide doesn’t have these weaknesses, so it could easily replace both of these materials once scientists learn how to produce it reliably. Read full article here
History
The Women Who Built Grunge
Despite being acknowledged as the “Godmother of Grunge”, Tina Bell is rarely included in the history of grunge music. Women in general are hardly ever mentioned in music history unless they’re close to famous male musicians. Looking back at Tina Bell, music journalists often leave her out of Bam Bam, the band that she fronted, wrote music for, and co-founded with her husband. When she is mentioned, it’s in relation to Kurt Cobain, who was said to have been a fan of Bell and her band before founding Nirvana. Read full article here
Merv
October 2, 2022
